User Reviews by KVR Members for Neo-Soul Keys 3X

The deep sampling on this library is unbeatable. 12 velocity layers?! Some may think it's overdoing it, but I think it's just enough. I've been using this for only a few months, and it's definitely my go-to EP/Rhodes. I've been able to use it on non-jazz/RnB/chillout songs too.

GRAPHICS:

Fantastic. The graphic design is suitable, top-notch, and memorable.

SOUND QUALITY:

Stunning. The included presets are really interesting, and really demonstrates the flexibility of customization for this library.

FEATURES:

The customizability is phenomenal. The velocity curve is a good addition for accurate emulations. Then there are all those options! Bark, Tine, Key sounds, Pedal sounds, etc. A nice set of effects are included too---Phaser, Flanger, Delay, Distortion, Chorus, and Spring Reverb. The Treble/Bass adjustment sliders actually make a useful difference, thank goodness (I've seen some plugins/libraries that have that and it didn't help them much).

LAYOUT:

The layout is highly intuitive, and the priority menus are most dominant. Chorus and Spring Reverb, EQ, Vibrato, Amp Sims, and various Tone knobs/flippers take center stage, while miscellaneous FX have submenus. The keys graphic at the bottom made me think they would animate when I played, but they don't. That's not a big deal, just something I noticed. Oh, and I think the Neo-Soul Wurli preview graphic on KVR is missing a few things on it, like some flipper and slider graphics. Odd.

SIZE/RAM/TECH STUFF:

Usable size, typically expected RAM consumption for something of this nice quality. It comes as 8 GB of samples, so go grab Kontakt and compress those files! ;) Note that it works only for Kontakt 4.2.3+, if I remember correctly. Might have been 4.2.4+. I highly recommend grabbing a semi-weighted MIDI keyboard if you want to "play around with it" to make some really realistic stuff! Of course, its velocity curve helps simplify the realism with velocities if you just have a cheap simple MIDI keyboard like mine. :)

QUALITY FOR PRICE:

Price probably marginally exceeds quality, but that's only because I rarely ever buy something virtual over $100. That's only at first. After you actually try it, with time you'll feel like you should have paid 50% more. ;)

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Would I get it if I were any random person with the money to spare? Yes, definitely. I highly recommend this to anyone who strives for high quality organic songs.

Discussion

I just installed Neo Soul Keys' Suitcase Rhodes and man what a program! These are the very best rhodes tones I have - and I have not been able to test drive all the instruments yet. I have to rat them higher than the scar bee I have been using (it's close). Great addition to Kontakt 5 and excellent customer service.